LL Bean ends lifetime return policy after abuse by customers

Christopher Zimmerman

Even during my own stint working in a Patagonia store in New York City four years ago, I watched a customer return a $550 Tres Parka because it smelled weird. If the product is actually defective and the customer tries to return it after a year, the company said it will work out a "fair solution".

The brand stresses that the change will only affect a small percentage of returns, and they're still standing by the quality of everything that they sell.

A majority of comments on the Facebook post expressed understanding for L.L. Bean's policy change.

Those who suspect they've intentionally wronged the business founded by Leon Leonwood Bean in 1912 have also been put on notice, as the new policy states they may also turn down exchanges citing "on rare occasions, past habitual abuse of our Returns Agreement". The company, which began reviewing its policy last year, has now updated its site to read: "If you are not 100 percent satisfied with one of our products, you may return it within one year of purchase for a refund".

"We make good money, but we're not rich and have to make very financially responsible decisions about where we spend our money", she said.

From now on, products only can be returned if they were bought within 12 months or have a manufacturing defect. People abusing the system. What's more, the one-year time limit is more generous than a typical retailer's policy.

It's not uncommon to hear stories of people clearing out basements of used or unwanted L.L. Bean products, sometimes decades after their purchase. "Damage due to wear and tear will be repaired at a reasonable charge". Shoppers may still return products for any reason prior to the one-year limit. According to Patagonia spokesperson Corey Simpson, the success of the brand's Worn Wear program helps to support their Ironclad Guarantee. "I've been embarrassed for your associates when I've been in line seeing customers take advantage of the guarantee. But the benefits outweigh that", says Simpson. My mother-in-law has been wearing the same L.L.Bean watch for at least as long as I've been alive, having sent it in to be replaced a couple of times. "It's a bummer. It's such a rare and important thing to have that kind of guarantee".

Share this:

Hot News

United Nations condemns mosque bombing in Libya's BenghaziFeb 10, 2018 - 09:49
The summary executions are believed to be carried out by Mahmoud al-Werfalli, a special forces commander for the LNA. Libyans inspect the interior of a mosque in Benghazi on February 9, 2018, after it was hit with a twin bomb attack.

Apple's iOS source code is out in the wild, now what?Feb 10, 2018 - 09:49
Last year, a Reddit user named Apple_Internals posted the code, but at the time, it failed to gain the same amount of attention. Though the code is for the iOS 9, some of the parts can be found in the iOS 11 , notes The Verge.

Josh McDaniels dropped by his agent after Colts fiasco, ESPN reportsFeb 10, 2018 - 09:47
However, ESPN said the Patriots front office did not make any promises to McDaniels . " The rivalry is back on ", Ballard stated. McDaniels informed Ballard that he had some bad news to deliver before telling Ballard that he'll be staying in New England.

NASA's New Horizons snaps farthest images by any spacecraftFeb 10, 2018 - 09:44
During its voyage to the outer reaches of the solar system, the spacecraft usually stays in hibernation mode to conserve energy. There are only four spacecraft that have ever traveled that far from home: Voyager 1 and 2, and Pioneer 10 and 11.

Team USA announces Olympic flag bearer for Opening CeremonyFeb 09, 2018 - 05:23
Hamlin added: "It is definitely a privilege and honour to be the one to lead the team and will be a very special moment". Hamlin, the first woman chosen to carry the flag for the US team since 2006, did not respond on social media to Davis.

Joaquin Phoenix in talks to star as the JokerFeb 09, 2018 - 05:20
Jared Leto's Joker will appear in any DCEU films, including Suicide Squad 2 , should the character make an appearance in the film. This tone seems more aligned with Phoenix's acting as opposed to the direction Leto took the character in Suicide Squad .

PSG captain Thiago Silva: Messi tougher to defend than RonaldoFeb 08, 2018 - 00:27
David Beckham believes Real Madrid should not be ruled out for a third straight Champions League title despite their La Liga woes. The El Clasico rivals are also record-breaking goal scorers for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona respectively.

Disney Prepares to Launch Two Streaming PlatformsFeb 08, 2018 - 00:23
ESPN has a message for those thinking about cutting the cord: Keep the cord and layer streaming services on top of it. The network is attached to a large number of basic cable packages, and when people drop cable its numbers dip.